Not ten feet away to the left and some four feet above the floor level
there was a wide opening into a box-stall, the home of Mr. Austin's
prize stallion. As the big horse was inside munching his hay, Crosby was
reasonably sure that the stall with its tall sides was securely closed
and bolted.
[Illustration: "SWALLOW'S CHUBBY BODY SHOT SQUARELY THROUGH THE
OPENING"]
Suddenly there was a mighty creak of the ladder, the swish of a heavy
body through the air, an interrupted growl, and then a ripping thud.
Swallow's chubby body shot squarely through the opening, accompanied by
a trusty though somewhat sadly stretched vest, and the deed was done. A
cry of delight came from the beam, a shout of pride and relief from the
ladder, and sounds of a terrific scramble from the stall. First there
was a sickening grunt, then a surprised howl, then the banging of horse-
hoofs, and at last a combination of growls and howls that proved
Swallow's invasion of a hornet's nest.
"Thunderation!" came in sharp, agonized tones from the ladder.
"What is the matter?" she cried, detecting disaster in the exclamation.
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